Soccer

A FORMER Valencia CF player was tragically killed in the devastating flash floods that rocked Spain.The Spanish football club has paid tributes to José Castillejo, 28, a midfielder who also played for teams like Torre Levante, Paterna and Eldense.Ex-Valencia player José Castillejo was killed in the flash floods in SpainCredit: TwitterDozens of villages in Valencia have been covered in a murky brown sludgeCredit: ReutersCars have been piling up after being swept away in the torrential rainCredit: GettyIt said in a statement: “We regret the death of José Castillejo, a victim of the Dana disasters.”He was part of the club’s Academy until his youth stage and has played for several teams in the Valencian Community. RIP.” Eldense also paid tragic tribute to the rising star, saying, “Terrible news comes our way due to the catastrophic DANA.”We deeply regret José Castillejo’s passing at 28, a former blue-and-red player in the 2015/2016 season. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.” A young footie star, Castillejo was trained at the Valencia youth academy before playing for local Spanish clubs like Torre Levante, Paterna, Eldense, Buñol, Recambios Colón, CD Roda and Villamarxant. He also went on to play for CD Eldense during the 2015-2016 season. It comes as horror flash floods turned Valencia into an apocalyptic wasteland following Spain’s deadly floods.Officials say 202 people have been killed so far in Valencia with many fearing the casualties will continue to rise in the coming days as the army begins to be rolled out.Most read in FootballThree deaths were also reported in neighbouring regions – taking the death toll in Spain to 205. Images from Thursday afternoon show the aftermath of the country’s worst natural disaster in living history.Hundreds of abandoned cars and trucks can be seen trapped in murky brown sludge on the highway.Civilians were made to ditch their motors as the torrential rainfall and flash floods engulfed much of eastern Spain on Tuesday.Spain’s transport minister has been one of many officials scrambling to try and contain the crisis.More rain pounds flood-blitzed Spain TODAY after people drown ‘like rats’ as Brit killed & final toll feared to hit 100sValencia’s regional president has called on the Spanish military to help rescue and ultimately recover those still trapped in their homes and major flood zones.In a post on X Carlos Mazon said: “I have just requested the incorporation of the army and the available land, sea and air forces to reinforce the logistical tasks and the distribution of aid to the population.”There are already over 1,000 soldiers from Spain’s emergency rescue units in Valencia.Video captured the moment one man in a bright yellow top smashed through a glass door to save children from drowning.He was forced to wade through the murky water which had risen to waist height before saving several terrified locals.DEVASTATING FLOODSElsewhere, brave rescuers airlifted a baby and an elderly woman from the devastating Spanish floods.Footage showed how an elderly woman, who seemed to be unable to move, was airlifted in a metal cage.The roads below her were seen to be covered in mud and cars were piled up on debris.A separate video showed the heartbreaking moment a baby was saved and airlifted onto a plane in a rescuer’s arms, in the country’s worst-hit region of Valencia.Across the region, trees had been uprooted in the storms and cars had piled up on each other like dominoes.Powerlines were also brought down as the strength of the unexpected torrent even tore apart bridges sat in its way.A terrifying video caught the moment an entire bridge in Paiporta, Valencia, where at least 40 people have died, was wiped out in seconds.It comes as further rainfall is expected tomorrow and in the coming days.Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sanchez has declared Valencia a disaster zone as he warned the public about the incoming weather.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “The most important thing is that I know Spanish people are aware that this phenomenon has not finished.”All of those who have been affected, please stay at home.”The footie star also played for Eldense in the 2015-2016 seasonA supermarket in Valencia has been trashed in the floods as people frantically try to find food and drinkCredit: AP More

N’GOLO KANTE amazed fans with a thoughtful gesture during Al-Ittihad’s clash with Al-Ahli yesterday.The midfielder, 33, became a terrace favourite during his eight-year Premier League stint with Leicester and then Chelsea.N’Golo Kante’s gesture had social media swooningCredit: XThe Frenchman further cemented his fan favourite statusCredit: XThe midfielder was in action for Al-Ittihad against Al-AhliCredit: GettyIn 2023 he departed Stamford Bridge, signing for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad.While his matches may be less visible to fans in England these days, Kante is still new finding new ways to delight them.As reported by Ben Jacobs, Al-Ittihad supporters hurled hundreds of flags onto the pitch at yesterday’s game.During a drinks break, humble Kante decided to tidy up, picking up the flags so that a member of staff did not have to.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA clip of Kante’s simple gesture has since received more than 700,000 views – with plenty of fans also leaving a comment.One Chelsea supporter wrote: “Sometimes I wish Kante stayed forever. He has everything you need in a human being and footballer.”While a second gushed: “No matter the football club Kante plays you can never dislike this guy.”A third swooned: “Should still be at The Bridge.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd another added: “I have always known N’Golo Kante to be very humble. Man takes life so simple.”Kante and Co went on to win the match 1-0, courtesy of Saleh Alshehri’s 42nd minute goal.Former Chelsea star N’Golo Kante reduces fans to tears with incredibly humble arrival to France’s Euro 2024 camp The French international was deployed alongside Fabinho in Al-Ittihad’s midfield, with Moussa Diaby, Houssem Aouar and Steven Bergwijn forming an attacking trio behind Alshehri.Kante’s former Leicester team-mate Riyad Mahrez was in action for Al-Ahli, as well as summer acquisition Ivan Toney.The two-time Premier League champion struggled desperately with injuries during his latter seasons with the Blues.He has since managed to largely stay fit – featuring in 30 of Al-Ittihad’s 34 league games last season, and eight of nine thus far in this campaign.Earlier this year, fans gushed over Kante’s arrival at France national team HQ Clairefontaine.Having earned a recall following two years out of the national team, the humble star looked excited as he reported for duty.Fans loved Kante’s arrival at ClairefontaineCredit: Reuters More